CREATIVE WRITING—SHORT STORY

(Check Category)
Elementary (4th–6th grade) Junior High (7th–8th grade)

Name _______________________________________________ Grade__________

School ______________________________________________ City ________________________________________________

Title ________________________________________________ State _______________________________________________

FACTORS EVALUATED COMMENTS POINTS

Creativity (45 pts)
1. Appeal: Author demonstrates originality. Story
sustains reader interest for its intended audience.
2. Details: Descriptions contribute to the reader’s
enjoyment.
3. Style: Elements enhance the story. May include but
not limited to:
a. Word choice
b. Figurative language
c. Tone
d. Voice
4. Theme/Purpose: Author’s message or intent is
effectively obtained.

(45 points possible)

Content/Development (45 pts)

Elements support the theme/purpose and contribute
to a unified whole. May include but not limited to:
1. Setting/Mood
2. Characterization
3. Dialogue (if any)
4. Plot/Conflict – May include but not limited to:
a. Engaging beginning
b. Introduction of conflict
c. Rising action
d. Climax
e. Falling action
f. Resolution
5. Organization

(45 points possible)

Writing Mechanics (10 pts)

1. Meets or exceeds grade level.
2. Errors are minimal and do not confuse the reader.

(10 points possible)

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY Total (100 possible points) ___________

I certify that this project is my own original and authentic
work and that I received no help in completing this
project other than general instruction and supervision.

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Student’s Signature Judge’s Signature
 CREATIVE WRITING—POETRY
(Check Category)
Elementary (4th–6th grade) Junior High (7th–8th grade)

Name _______________________________________________ Grade__________

School ______________________________________________ City ________________________________________________

Title ________________________________________________ State _______________________________________________

FACTORS EVALUATED COMMENTS POINTS

Originality/Content/Communication (50 pts)
1. Approach to topic is creative/original.
2. Content is organized intentionally.
3. Poem captures the reader’s interest.
4. Theme or main idea is developed and well integrated.
5. Word choice is precise and free of clichés.
6. Poem contains unique details and vivid descriptive
language.

(50 points possible)

Poetic Devices (40 pts)
1. Rhyme
a. If the poem is in rhyme, the rhyme scheme is
correct.
b. If there is no rhyme, there are compensating sound
devices (alliteration, consonance, onomatopoeia,
etc.).
2. Meter
a. Meter is consistent throughout and appropriate.
b. If there is no meter, phrasing possesses a rhythmic
flow to distinguish it from prose.
3. Poem is infused with imagery-specific sensory
impressions, rather than broad generalities.
4. Literary devices such as metaphor or symbol add
depth or layers of meaning to the poem.
5. Visual appearance: Structure is intentional and
meaningfully connected to the content.

(40 points possible)

Writing Mechanics (10 pts)
Writer shows a clear understanding of the rules of
capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and
grammar/syntax OR consistency and intentionality in
breaking the rules.
(10 points possible)

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY Total (100 possible points) ___________

I certify that this project is my own original and authentic
work and that I received no help in completing this
project other than general instruction and supervision.

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Student’s Signature Judge’s Signature